Emma’s not horsing around in National bid

16 year-old Emma Chaston, of Arkmare House in Scorton, is training to become a jockey, and has ambitions to ride in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National.'Emma on her horse Syrian. PIC BY ROB LOCK'14-1-2015

Published:14:00Friday 23 January 2015

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A teenage jockey is hoping to upset the odds by becoming the first woman to win the Grand National.

Emma Chaston, 16, has hopes of winning some of horse racing’s top prizes and is already competing in amateur events across the country.

16 year-old Emma Chaston, of Arkmare House in Scorton, is training to become a jockey, and has ambitions to ride in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National.'Emma on her horse Syrian. PIC BY ROB LOCK'14-1-2015

Emma, of Scorton, near Garstang, has worked with top trainers in the sport, including Nigel Twisten-Davies and Donald McCain – and aims to one day enter the winner’s paddock at Aintree.

Emma said: “I want to win all the big races.

“Winning a title and making a name for myself is important but I want to win the big races and I would like to be the first girl to be champion jockey.

“I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie. If I get an injury racing that is just how it is.

“I hope to go to France in the summer before coming back starting as a conditional rider, which is partway between an amateur and professional.

“If that goes well I hope to step up to professional.”

Kirkham Grammar School student Emma started competing as a nine-year-old in pony racing before riding smaller thoroughbreds under the guidance of trainer Richard Ford. She is currently riding in point-to-point races and has ambitions to ride in America, having ridden in Ireland last year.

Mum Paula said: “She is very aware it is really difficult.

“She has to be hard as nails. Being a girl is a huge disadvantage as it is very difficult to get a ride. The only girls at the moment are the likes of Katie Walsh, Nina Carberry and Lizzie Kelly – most girls want to stay amateur.

“Every time she gets on the horse you worry about her – it is a constant worry – but it’s not for me to stop her.

“This is what she has set her heart on doing and we will support her.”